Quite a few. All of the majors will go to 95% or 97%, most of the second tier lenders will also do it.

Realistically you can expect to pay higher rates in most cases, and the LMI premiums are very high. In many situations the numbers play out such that it's not a big savings stretch to qualify for a 90% loan instead of a 95% lend.

Quite a few. All of the majors will go to 95% or 97%, most of the second tier lenders will also do it.

Realistically you can expect to pay higher rates in most cases, and the LMI premiums are very high. In many situations the numbers play out such that it's not a big savings stretch to qualify for a 90% loan instead of a 95% lend.

I'm fairly certain that the CBA and Westpac/StG group can do I/O above 90%. It would need to be confirmed though, as we don't do a lot of loans at these LVRs.

Seriously if at all possible, find a way to do it at 90%. Rates go up, risk tolerance assessment gets nasty. The cost of LMI means that you're probably borrowing 93% + LMI for a 97% lend. It's often only a difference of finding another 3% for the deposit to qualify for a 90% lend, and everything about the finance becomes significantly easier and cheaper.

Peter has touched on an important point however that the efficiency of your deposit is eroded dramatically once you hit over 90%, so saving that tiny comparative amount more will enable you to have a stronger borrowing position for future cashouts etc.

From an investment perspective, it doesn't make much sense to go above 90% as the cost of extra funds is extremely high (LMI + potential rate loading).

From a home owner perspective, its quite common and necessary for first timers to rely on this type of lending to get through. Especially in Sydney where 500k doesn't get you very far at all. There's also slightly cheaper LMI premiums, grants, etc that assist with the deposit side of the equation.

That is interesting. So ANZ still does the 90% lend (inclusive of LMI) for Investment loans. Advised I received is that its dropped to 80% for investment. Do ANZ have specific LVR requirements on where you buy....I am looking in SYD.... How accurate their 'Borrowing Calculators' are on website...to test the serviceability....thanks

No LVR requirements for the mainstream purchases which will cause issues.

Borrowing calculators across all the lenders are useless - they're inaccurate marketing tools. Get an investment based broker to run through your numbers and look at your finance situation in a holistic manner - there may be more options than previously expected, or other challenges/opportunities to consider.